SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for April 23-30, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew! 👋

We asked how everyone’s been feeling lately, and 98% of you agreed the news and world have felt a bit heavier than usual. Fair enough. One scroll through Facebook these days can feel like a full-time job.

That’s exactly why The Scoop matters. We’d much rather spend our time talking about the good stuff happening right here at home — new events popping up, local businesses doing cool things, neighbours building neat projects, and communities waking up again now that the nicer weather is rolling in. You can really feel our little towns coming alive lately.

Markets are starting up, patios are calling our names, live music is back on calendars, and there always seems to be something happening somewhere from Cornwall to Winchester to Alexandria and beyond. That’s the kind of energy we like.

This week we’re also featuring local artist Nathan Gowsell and his awesome Long Sault Motel artwork. Funny enough, we’re also highlighting an old motel in Throwback Corner… so apparently roadside nostalgia is trending in SD&G.

Grab your coffee, dodge your responsibilities for five minutes, and let’s get into this week’s good news.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉 What’s Happening This Week (April 23-30, 2026)

📅 Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:

🔶 Trivia Night at Stone Crop Acres – Bragging Rights on the Line!
📅 Friday, April 24 | 🕖 7 PM (Doors open at 6 PM) | 📍 Stone Crop Acres Winery & Vineyard, Morrisburg
If your household treats Jeopardy like a competitive sport, this one’s for you. 😄 The Historical Society of South Dundas is hosting another fun-filled Trivia Night fundraiser, and it sounds like the perfect excuse for a Friday night out. Gather your dream team (up to 6 players) and get ready for an evening of brain teasers, laughs, and the occasional wildly confident wrong answer. Entry is just $10 per person, with prizes up for grabs and plenty of fun guaranteed. Food and drinks will be available for purchase all evening, so you can sip, snack, and strategize your way to victory in the cozy setting of Stone Crop Acres Winery & Vineyard. Spots are limited, so reserve early. Whether you win it all or just come for the fun, it’s a great way to support local history and enjoy a night out in South Dundas.

🔸 Comedy Night at The North Mulligan
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍 The North Mulligan
If your week could use a few more laughs, this is your sign. Our friends in North Glengarry are bringing the fun with a Comedy Night at The North Mulligan, featuring a stacked lineup through Yuk Yuk’s On Tour. Expect a night of big laughs, good food, cold drinks, and the kind of stories you’ll still be talking about the next morning. The show features Bobby Knauff, Chuck Byrn, and Viveth K, so you know the jokes will be flying. Whether it’s date night, a friends’ night out, or just an excuse to leave the house and have some fun, this one checks all the boxes. Tickets are $40 each and it’s a 19+ event. Round up your funniest people, grab your seats early, and get ready for a night of laughter in the heart of North Glengarry.

🔸 North Dundas Local Business Expo
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 🕘 9 AM – 3 PM | 📍 Joel Steele Community Centre, Winchester
If you love supporting local, discovering new businesses, and wandering around an event with a coffee in hand… this one’s for you. The 2026 Local Business Expo is coming to Winchester with 100+ vendors ready to showcase what makes our region such a great place to shop, hire, and connect. You’ll find everything from retail, health & wellness, home & garden, and professional services all under one roof. It’s a great chance to meet local business owners, ask questions, pick up ideas, and maybe even find your next favourite spot or service. There’s also free admission, live stage performances, and a Touch a Truck area that’ll be a hit with the little ones (and let’s be honest… a few grownups too 🚜). Bring the family, bring a friend, and spend the day exploring local talent and community spirit in North Dundas. We love seeing events like this that shine a spotlight on the people building our small towns every day.

🔸 Guindon Park TrailKeepers – Volunteer Meet n Greet
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 🕙 10 AM | 📍 Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall
Love Guindon Park? Want to help keep one of Cornwall’s best outdoor spaces thriving? This is a great chance to get involved. The Guindon Park TrailKeepers are hosting their first Volunteer Meet n Greet, welcoming new volunteers and anyone curious about joining this exciting local initiative. It’s a casual and friendly info session where you can meet the board, connect with other volunteers, learn some park stewardship best practices, and hear about upcoming plans and events for Guindon Park. Whether you’re an avid walker, trail runner, cyclist, nature lover, or just someone who appreciates community projects, there’s a place for you here. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — we love seeing locals step up to make our shared spaces even better. If Guindon Park has ever been part of your morning walk, weekend adventure, or peaceful reset, this could be your chance to give back.

🎵 Where’s That Music Coming From (April 23-30, 2026)

🔸 Rotary Cornwall Music Showcase 2026
📅 Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25 | 🕐 1 PM – 5 PM | 📍 Seaway Valley Theatre, Cornwall
Turn up the volume, Cornwall. 🎶 The inaugural Rotary Cornwall Music Showcase is here, and it’s all about celebrating the next generation of local talent. This two-day event will feature performances from students in high school music programs and private music studios from across Cornwall and SDG&A. Hosted in partnership with the Seaway Valley Theatre Company, this free community event is a chance to cheer on young musicians as they share their hard work, creativity, and love of music on stage. From first-time performers to rising stars, you never know who you might say “I saw them back when…” about one day. Admission is free, so bring the family, support local youth, and enjoy an afternoon filled with music and community spirit. Events like this are what small towns do best — showing up for each other and celebrating local talent.

🔸 The Pickheads Trio Returns
📅 Friday, April 24 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍 Carrots n’ Dates, Cornwall
Live music lovers, this one’s for you. 🎶 The Pickheads Trio is reuniting for an evening of tunes, good vibes, and laid-back local charm at Carrots n’ Dates in downtown Cornwall. There’s something special about a cozy venue, a talented trio, and a Friday night with nowhere else to be. Whether you’re heading out for dinner, meeting friends, or just looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend, this sounds like a great stop. Grab a seat, settle in, and enjoy some live music “for your listening pleasure” — their words, not ours 😄 We always love seeing local spots host nights like this that bring people together through music.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋 Kelli Trottier Takes Centre Stage

When people talk about events that put SD&G on the map, the Glengarry Highland Games is always near the top of the list — and this year, they’ve chosen a hometown favourite to help kick things off.

The Games have announced that Kelli Trottier will serve as the 2026 Guest of Honour, officially opening this year’s festival in Maxville. For a flagship event with decades of history and deep local pride, it feels like a perfect match.

Born and raised in Glengarry County in a musical family, Kelli began step dancing at five and playing fiddle at nine. Since then, she’s built an incredible career as a performer, teacher, composer, and ambassador of Celtic and Canadian music. She has toured internationally, performed for Canadian soldiers overseas, entertained crowds at Ottawa Senators games, and even played at Sean Connery’s 80th birthday celebration. Not bad for a local kid from Glengarry. 👏

Her list of honours is just as impressive, including inductions into multiple music halls of fame and recognition as one of Canada’s top fiddle players. But what stands out most is how proudly she still speaks about home and the traditions that shaped her.

We love this story because it captures what makes our region special: world-class talent, humble roots, and a community that celebrates its own. If you’re heading to the Highland Games this summer, you’ll be watching a local legend open one of SD&G’s most iconic events.

SUPPORT THE SCOOP
☕ Keep the Good News Brewing

The SDG Scoop is a free, independent local newsletter built right here in SD&G - by locals, for locals. Each issue takes time, coffee, and a whole lot of love to put together.

If you enjoy reading the Scoop and want to help keep it going strong, you can buy us a coffee (or two!). Every little bit helps us share more good news, highlight local stories, and celebrate the best of our community.

Thanks for the support, friends!

THROWBACK CORNER
📸 The Cardinal Motel

Now that is a sign. 😍

This week’s Throwback Corner takes us back to the days of the Cardinal Motel, one of those classic Cornwall landmarks that many locals remember spotting on the way into town. For some, it was one of the first signs you were almost “there” — right up there with the giant lacrosse sticks as a true Cornwall welcome marker.

And can we talk about that signage? The bold lettering, the bright colours, the glowing cardinal perched on top… pure roadside nostalgia. They really don’t make them like they used to. Back then, motel signs weren’t just signs — they had personality, style, and a bit of showmanship.

The Cardinal Motel is a reminder of a different era of travel, when road trips were king, motels lined the highways, and pulling in for the night felt like part of the adventure.

Who remembers it? Did your family ever stay there, or do you remember driving by and knowing you were almost home? We’d love to hear your memories.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🤝 Local businesses — quick question…

If your online presence could use a little love (think website updates, more Google reviews, faster follow-ups with customers, or just looking more polished online), we can help. These small things go a long way in building trust and turning local searches into real customers.

👉 Click reply to this email and tell us about your business, and let’s make it easy for people to choose you.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐢 The Roadside Mama on a Mission

This week’s “pet” isn’t curled up on a couch or chasing tennis balls — she’s a hardworking snapping turtle mom doing one of the most important spring jobs in nature. 🐢💚

Captured near Gray’s Creek, this determined mama is part of turtle nesting season, when female turtles travel surprising distances to find the right spot to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, that often means crossing roads or nesting near shoulders, which can be dangerous.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority shared an important reminder that all eight turtle species in Ontario are considered at risk, and road mortality remains one of the biggest threats they face. So if you’re out for a drive this spring, especially near wetlands, trails, or conservation areas, keep your eyes peeled and slow it down a touch.

And if you ever have questions about turtles, helping one safely, or what to do if you spot one in trouble, you can always reach out to Nicole from SDG Turtles — a local favourite doing amazing work to educate and protect these fascinating creatures right here in our community.

Around here, we cheer for the underdogs… and the under-turtles too.

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 Big Investment in Winchester

Now this is the kind of headline we like to see. 🙌

With so much heavy economic news floating around lately, it’s refreshing to share a positive local story: Lactalis Canada has completed a $16 million expansion at its Winchester facility, helping increase the amount of milk the plant can receive each day by 25% — up to two million litres daily.

That’s a big deal for Winchester, North Dundas, and the wider region. The site is already the largest cheese manufacturing plant in Canada, and this latest investment helps strengthen its role as a major player in Canada’s dairy industry.

It’s also part of an even bigger picture. The company says it’s investing $42 million at the Winchester site in 2026, alongside upgrades like wastewater treatment, refrigeration, traffic improvements, and water recovery systems.

What does that mean locally? Jobs, long-term confidence in our area, and proof that rural communities can still attract major investment.

We know not every economic story feels positive these days, which is exactly why wins like this matter. Here’s to seeing local communities grow, modernize, and keep building for the future. 🧀🥛👏

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🛒 Small Businesses - We See You!

Want to get your local business in front of thousands of engaged Cornwall & SD&G readers who love supporting local?

We feature standout businesses, shops, and services that help make our community shine - and we’d love to spotlight you next!

👉 Interested? Reach out to us at https://www.sdgscoop.ca/contact or [email protected] and let’s chat!

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

A little numbers game for you this week, courtesy of some fresh population stats from Statistics Canada. Our corner of the world is growing, with SDG Counties up by 3,559 residents between 2020 and 2025. Not too shabby for our little slice of Eastern Ontario. 👏

Now for the challenge… before looking too closely, can you guess which municipality added the most people?

🥇 South Stormont led the way with +736
🥈 South Dundas came in next with +644
🥉 South Glengarry followed with +619

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Country Dreams in Aultsville

If your idea of luxury is less chandelier and more space to breathe, this week’s feature might be calling your name. Sitting on approximately 10 acres in South Stormont, this Aultsville property offers the kind of lifestyle many people daydream about while stuck in traffic or mowing a tiny backyard. 🌾

Listed at $584,900, 5083 Aultsville Road blends country living with practical comfort. The home features 2+1 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a warm, rustic feel that sounds perfect for cozy winters and peaceful mornings with coffee on the porch.

But the real star here? The land. Horses, gardens, hobby farming, a future barn, wide-open green space, room for the dog to sprint like it’s the Olympics — the possibilities are wide open.

The listing also notes a recently installed septic system, which is one of those not-so-glamorous upgrades that buyers definitely appreciate.

Location-wise, you’re just minutes from Upper Canada Village, Upper Canada Golf Course, camping, biking trails, and plenty of Seaway Valley adventures. That means you can enjoy country quiet without feeling far from the fun.

Around here, we love all kinds of homes — downtown gems, village charmers, and dreamy rural escapes like this one. And if nothing else, it’s always fun to imagine what you’d do with 10 acres. (Mini goats? Lavender field? Backyard pickleball empire?)

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29555940/5083-aultsville-road-south-stormont-715-south-stormont-osnabruck-twp

👉 Got a property for sale or rent in SD&G? Let us feature it in next week’s Scoop - the most-clicked section of the newsletter!

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢 Who is Hiring?

BOOK KEEPER/ ADMIN COORDINATOR - Emard Lumber
📍 Cornwall
Emard Lumber is looking for a detailed book keeper/ admin coordinator to join their team!
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

EXPERIENCED COOK - Shawarma Depot
📍 Cornwall
Shawarma Depot is looking for an experienced cook to join the team.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS - Municipality of North Grenville
📍 North Grenville
Lead the Municipality’s strategic communications strategy.
📧 Apply online: www.northgrenville.ca/careers

JUNIOR CARPENTERS - Menard & Robertson
📍 Cornwall
Looking for someone that is passionate about carpentry and willing to grow.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

👉 Have a business and looking to hire help? Let us feature your job/ business in next week’s Scoop!

CLOSING CALL
That’s a wrap for this week, friends! 👋

Proof once again that even when the wider world feels noisy, there’s still plenty of good stuff happening close to home. Sometimes all it takes is a quick look around SD&G to find something worth smiling about.

Thanks for being here, for reading along, and for helping grow this little corner of positive local news. Every share, reply, tip, and kind word helps more than you know.

Now get out there and enjoy the week — check out an event, support a local spot, wave at someone on your street, or finally visit that place you keep saying you’ll go to.

📬 Not subscribed yet? Join the Scoop fam here: www.sdgscoop.ca

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team